Alysa Liu Claims Olympic Gold in Women’s Figure Skating Amidst Controversy and Resilience
Milan, Italy – February 20, 2026 – In a stunning display of athleticism and determination, Alysa Liu has secured the gold medal in the women’s figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. The victory comes after a competition marked by both exceptional performances and a backdrop of political scrutiny faced by several American athletes who have spoken out on social issues. While Liu’s triumph was the headline, the Games also saw a challenging performance from fellow American skater Amber Glenn, and a disappointing result for neutral athlete Anastasia Petrosian.
The 2026 Winter Olympics have turn into a stage not just for athletic prowess, but also for athletes asserting their values. Several members of the U.S. Olympic team have publicly addressed political and social concerns back home, including concerns about immigration policies and federal law enforcement actions. This outspokenness has, in some cases, drawn criticism from conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump, highlighting a growing tension between athletic achievement and political expression. The Games have underscored the increasing expectation that athletes will utilize their platforms to advocate for causes they believe in, and the consequences that can follow.
Liu’s Golden Performance: A Triumph of Skill and Focus
Alysa Liu’s gold medal performance was a testament to her dedication and skill. Details of her specific program, including the elements and scores, are still being finalized by the International Skating Union (ISU), but initial reports indicate a flawless free skate that solidified her lead after a strong short program. Her victory marks a significant moment for American figure skating, adding another gold medal to the U.S. Tally at the Milan Cortina Games. The 18-year-aged skater has been a rising star in the sport for several years, and this Olympic gold is the culmination of years of hard work and training.
Glenn’s Resilience: A Powerful Statement On and Off the Ice
While Liu celebrated gold, the story of Amber Glenn resonated deeply with many. Glenn, the three-time reigning U.S. Champion, faced a demanding competition. She initially struggled in the short program, finishing in 13th place after a fall on a triple loop, which resulted in a zero score for that element. Glenn’s performance was particularly poignant given her open criticism of President Trump and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. She revealed she had received a “scary amount of hate/threats” in response to her comments, as reported by Yahoo Sports here.
Despite a fall during the warm-up before her free skate, Glenn delivered a powerful performance, including a successful triple axel and a complex triple loop-double axel sequence. She finished outside the medal contention, but her determination and resilience were widely praised. Glenn’s post-skate demeanor, described as embodying someone “pleased to have brought her best to the Olympic stage,” demonstrated her commitment to her values and her sport, even in the face of adversity. On social media, she had previously stated, “they hate to see two woke b—-es winning,” alongside a photo with fellow skater Alysa Liu, highlighting the backlash she faced.
Petrosian’s Disappointment and the Shadow of Controversy
The competition also saw disappointment for Anastasia Petrosian, representing the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN). Petrosian, under the tutelage of Eteri Tutberidze – the coach of Kamila Valieva during the controversial doping scandal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics – aimed for a medal but faltered in her routine. A fall on her initial quad toe loop attempt significantly impacted her chances, and she ultimately finished off the podium. Tutberidze’s presence rinkside drew attention, given the scrutiny she faced following the Valieva case, as noted in reports from The Intercept here.
Political Undercurrents and Athlete Activism
The experiences of Glenn and other U.S. Olympians, such as freestyle skier Hunter Hess and curler Rich Ruohonen, underscore a broader trend of athlete activism at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Hess drew criticism from President Trump after expressing “mixed emotions” about representing the U.S. Given the political climate back home. Ruohonen criticized federal law enforcement actions in Minnesota, stating they were “wrong” and violated constitutional rights. These athletes, along with others like snowboarder Chloe Kim, who defended her teammates and spoke out against Trump’s immigration policies, have faced backlash for voicing their opinions.
This situation has sparked a debate about the role of athletes in political discourse. Some argue that athletes should focus solely on their sport, while others maintain that they have a right – and even a responsibility – to use their platform to advocate for social change. The response from conservative media has been swift and often critical, with some outlets actively dismissing or attacking athletes who speak out. NPR reported on these attacks on February 9, 2026 here.
The Broader Context of Athlete Activism
Athlete activism is not fresh, but it has become increasingly prominent in recent years. The Black Lives Matter movement, sparked by the death of George Floyd in 2020, led to widespread protests and calls for social justice, with many athletes using their platforms to raise awareness and demand change. The current situation at the Milan Cortina Games reflects a continuation of this trend, with athletes increasingly willing to speak out on issues they care about, even if it means facing criticism or backlash.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Athlete Activism
The 2026 Winter Olympics have served as a microcosm of the broader political and social tensions facing the United States and the world. The experiences of athletes like Alysa Liu, Amber Glenn, and Hunter Hess demonstrate the challenges and rewards of using one’s platform to advocate for change. As athletes continue to speak out on issues they believe in, We see likely that this trend will continue, and the debate over the role of athletes in political discourse will intensify.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the recent political controversies surrounding the Games. However, the IOC’s stance on political neutrality has been increasingly questioned in recent years, as athletes continue to use their platforms to address social and political issues. The future of athlete activism at the Olympics remains uncertain, but athletes are no longer willing to remain silent on issues that matter to them.
The next major event in the figure skating calendar is the World Championships, scheduled for March 2026 in Montreal, Canada. This event will provide another opportunity for Alysa Liu and other top skaters to showcase their skills and continue the conversation about athlete activism and the intersection of sports and politics.
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